Whitecaps FC face UBC Thunderbirds

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves will begin a run of three scrimmages against local university sides on Thursday with a match against the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds. The match will provide an opportunity for a number of the club's players to stay sharp for the MLS season, and for trialists to impress the 'Caps coaching staff.

Thursday's match will be open to the public and played at Thunderbird Stadium with kickoff at 12:30 p.m. PT.

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

With two wins from the first two games of the 2013 MLS season, coach Martin Rennie will be looking to rotate the squad in order to build match fitness throughout the team. With striker Kenny Miller away on international duty with Scotland, this will also be a chance for someone to prove that they belong in the starting lineup against Houston next week.

The match will likely see minutes for Paulo Jr. and Johnny Leveron, who have just joined up with the squad this week after receiving their Canadian work permits.

UBC Thunderbirds enjoyed a successful season in 2012 as they remained unbeaten on their way to claiming the Conference West Regular Season title as well as winning the Canada West Championship for the 14th time in their history, all en route to winning the CIS Men’s Soccer Championship and lifting the Sam Davidson Memorial Trophy for a record 12th time.

Overall they boasted a 21W-0L-3D record in all matches including a formidable 9W-0L-1D record in home games at Thunderbird Stadium.

UBC's roster features a number of Whitecaps FC Resideny and Prospects program alumni, including Navid Mashinchi and William Hyde.

NEXT UP

Following Thursday's scrimmage against UBC Thunderbirds, Whitecaps FC head to Vancouver Island to take on the University of Victoria Vikes this Saturday, with kickoff at 1 p.m. PT at Centennial Stadium in Victoria, BC. The Blue and White then head back to Vancouver in time for a scrimmage against the Simon Fraser University Clan men’s soccer team at Thunderbird Stadium on Tuesday. Kickoff for the SFU match is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.